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Danielle Desrochers
Aquatic Biologist | Data Scientist | ADD TITLE
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Education
Awards
- Study in Italy Grant (2021)
- Indspire Building Better Futures Scholarship (2014-2021)
- Louis Riel Awards (2014-2016)
- Guertin Centennial Entrance Scholarship, U of M (2014)
- Cambrian Credit Union Learning for Life Award (2014)
- MASRC - 2002 NAIG Legacy Athlete Scholarship (2014)
M. Sc. Coastal and Marine Biology and Ecology
Università del Salento
Lecce, Italy
Current - 2021
- Expected graduation: April 2024
- Thesis: Study of the interactions between dolphins and artisanal fishing and mitigation of impacts through the use of acoustic and visual deterrents and alternative fishing gear as part of the European Life Delfi Project
- Unisalento4Talents Programme (2021 - 2024)
B. Env. Sc., Honours
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB
2020 - 2014
- Thesis: Characterizing the potential impacts of diluted bitumen remediation methods on benthic freshwater macroinvertebrate community composition and abundance
- Aboriginal NSERC USRA Recipient (2018, 2019)
- Dean’s Honour List (2015 - 2020)
Diploma
College Louis-Riel
Winnipeg, MB
2014 - 2010
- International Baccalaureate: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
- SCAC Student Athlete (2011 - 2014)
Research Experience
Marine Mammal Observer
Filicudi Wildlife Conservation
Filicudi, Italy
Current - 2023
- Testing the usefulness of HydroMoth in the study of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy)
- Conducting land-based surveys for cetaceans.
Graduate Researcher
Filicudi Wildlife Conservation
Filicudi, Italy
09/2023 - 05/2023
- As part of the European Life DELFI project, worked with small-scale fishermen to reduce dolphin fishing gear interactions using acoustic deterrents.
- Presented bilingual interactive tours and presentations of the Marine Turtle Emergency Center.
Research Experience
Research Skills
- Safely travel to sampling locations.
- Comfortable working in remote outdoor locations, in demanding weather conditions and for extended periods of time.
- Ability to record complete and accurate field notes.
- Knowledgeable in field sampling techniques, laboratory anlyses, and environmental monitoring.
- Effective data visualization.
- Data analysis.
- Statistical and mathematical modelling.
Volunteer
Project Manaia
Sicily, Italy
05/2023
- Performed line transect sampling to map the presence and abundance of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows along the Italian coastline aboard Project Manaia research vessel.
Research Intern
Delfini del Ponente
Imperia, Italy
05/2023 - 04/2023
- Performed photo identification analysis of bottlenose dolphins via the characteristics of their dorsal fins, such as scars, notches, and pigmentation.
- Performed dedicated boat surveys to monitor cetacean and marine turtle distribution and behaviour.
Biological Technician
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB
2021 - 2020
- Analyzed a 15-year dataset of surface water samples measuring pesticide concentrations by modelling environmental exposure distributions to determine the probability of exposure to each pesticide, and the probability of exceeding regulatory guidelines.
- Work primarily done in R Studio.
Research Assistant
Stress Ecology Lab, University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB
2019 - 2018
- Designed Honours thesis study, collected the weekly samples from the field, and processed the samples by (enumeration and identification of invertebrates).
- Constructed model boreal wetlands (mesocosms) that are representative of the systems found at the IISD-ELA, then tracked their progress and stability as an experimental system.
- Assisted with the implementation and decommissioning of the BOREAL and FOReSt experimental set-ups.
Field Research Assistant
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
Kenora, ON
2018
- Assisted with the capture of freshwater fish using an assortment of capture methods: gill nets, seine nets, trap nets, minnow traps, and angling.
- Observed and aided with different procedures used to process both small- and large-bodied freshwater fish. This included: identification, basic measurements (total length, fork length, and weight), sperm, egg, and blood collection, collection of ageing structures, implanting tags (PIT and acoustic telemetry).
- Performed dissections of small-bodied freshwater fish to collect ageing structures (otoliths and fin rays), and tissue samples (muscle, stomach, and liver).
Other Employment
Other
- Capable of working effectively and collaboratively with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency.
- Natural leader with great teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- A wealth of experience communicating to the general public, both in French and English.
Co-Owner, Artisan
Prairie Owl Beads
Winnipeg, MB
Current - 2020
- Self-employed, co-owner and social media manager dedicated to driving engagement and sales through Facebook, Instagram, and website.
- Mentor artist at Le Musée de Saint Boniface Museum
Deputy Returning Officer/Registration Officer
Elections Canada
Winnipeg, MB
10/2019
Education and Outreach Assistant
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
Kenora, ON
12/2017 - 05/2017
- Generated educational content and materials related to IISD-ELA science, which was used to inform the broader public on its importance and relevance.
- Routinely updated spreadsheets documenting day-to-day outreach activities, both on-site and off-site, then reported results to senior staff, highlighting the overall demographics of participants.
- Presented bilingual interactive tours and presentations.
Historical Interpreter
Louis Riel Institute
Winnipeg, MB
2016 - 2014
- Taught complex traditional Metis art (beadwork, jig, sash weaving) to diverse groups ranging in age and abilities.
Publications, Posters, and Talks
Desrochers D, Gelippi M, and Blasi M F. The effectiveness of the low‐cost acoustic recorder “HydroMoth” in cetacean research: preliminary results of the presence/absence of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy)
35th annual European Cetacean Society Conference (Poster)
N/A
2024
Gelippi M, Gauger M FW, Desrochers D, and Blasi M F. Evaluating the efficacy of the DiD‐01 acoustic deterrent in reducing human‐dolphin interactions in artisanal fisheries around Filicudi, Aeolian Islands (Sicily, Italy)
35th annual European Cetacean Society Conference (Poster)
N/A
2024
Desrochers D, Prosser R P, Hanson M L, and Rodriguez‐Gil J L. Exposure Assessment of Pesticides in Surface Waters of Ontario, Canada Reveals Low Probability of Exceeding Regulatory Thresholds.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology: Under review
N/A
2023
Exposure Assessment of Pesticides from 2002 to 2016 in Surface Waters of Ontario, Canada Reveals Low Probability of Exceeding Regulatory Thresholds
SETAC Laurentian and Prairie Northern Chapter AGM (Presentation)
N/A
2021
- Award: 2nd place in the Undergraduate category
Characterizing the impacts of diluted bitumen spill remediation methods on freshwater SETAC Prairie Northern Chapter AGM benthic macroinvertebrates using shoreline enclosures
SETAC Prairie Northern Chapter AGM (Presentation)
N/A
2020
- Award: 2nd place in the Undergraduate category